Bananas are a popular fruit and a favorite snack for many people. Often, people prefer to eat bananas that are nice and yellow, ripe and sweet. However, there are many unexpected health benefits from consuming unripe bananas.
That’s right, those green bananas you may be avoiding actually offer several health benefits that make them worth considering. In this article, we will tell you why unripe bananas are good for you.
Resistant Starch
Resistant starch is a type of starch that cannot be digested by the body, and unripe bananas are a good source of it. Unripe bananas contain high levels of resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic to help feed the good bacteria in the gut.
This, in turn, helps to improve the overall health of the digestive system.
Digestive Health
As mentioned, unripe bananas are rich in resistant starch, which can help improve the health of the gut. You might be interested to know that unripe bananas can also help to alleviate constipation.
This is because they contain an indigestible form of carbohydrate that helps to regulate bowel movements. Additionally, unripe bananas contain pectin, which can help to soothe the gut and reduce inflammation.
Weight Loss
If you’re trying to lose weight, unripe bananas may be your new best friend. This is because they contain lower levels of natural sugars, which can help to reduce cravings and prevent overeating.
Furthermore, unripe bananas are rich in fiber, which keeps you fuller for longer and discourages snacking between meals.
Nutrients and Vitamins
Bananas are well-known for their nutritional value, but did you know that unripe bananas are even more nutrient-dense? Unripe bananas contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Additionally, they contain high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can help to prevent and fight diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Unripe bananas can help to regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. This is because they contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber that helps to slow down the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream.
This helps to prevent the sharp spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels that can be dangerous for individuals with diabetes.
Lower Cholesterol
Unripe bananas contain phytosterols, which are compounds known to help lower cholesterol levels. Eating unripe bananas regularly may help to improve heart health and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Additionally, the soluble fiber in unripe bananas can help to reduce the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed by the body.
Better Brain Function
The nutrients found in unripe bananas can help to improve brain function.
The high levels of potassium in unripe bananas are necessary for healthy brain function, and the antioxidants and polyphenols can help to protect the brain from damage caused by oxidative stress.
Better Sleep
Unripe bananas can also improve sleep quality. They contain tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted into serotonin and melatonin in the body.
These hormones are essential for a good night’s sleep, and eating unripe bananas regularly can help to promote healthy sleep patterns.
Conclusion
In summary, unripe bananas are a nutrient-dense food that offer several unexpected health benefits. They are rich in resistant starch, which can improve digestive health and alleviate constipation.
They can help with weight loss, regulate blood sugar, and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, the high levels of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants in unripe bananas can improve brain function, promote healthy sleep, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease and cancer.
So, the next time you see a bunch of green bananas at the store, think twice before passing them up!.